Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Baird.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Houston and grew up in Austin, where music became a part of my life from an early age. As a child, I took lessons and attended summer camps at the Austin School of Music—experiences that planted the first seeds of inspiration for what would one day become the Music Academy of Austin.
I went on to study at Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, earning a Master of Music degree. My journey then took me to New York City, where I pursued music professionally—touring the country, performing at festivals across a range of genres, composing music for commercials, and beginning what would become a lifelong passion for teaching.
I started by teaching private lessons, then group classes, eventually working in public schools, and later, teaching at the graduate level at Hunter College. Each step brought me closer to understanding the impact music education can have, not just on individuals, but on communities.
Over time, I began to imagine creating a music school that would bring together everything I love about music, teaching, creating, and building community. The Music Academy of Austin is the realization of that vision: a space where musicians of all ages and backgrounds can come together, learn from teachers and from one another, and grow—not just in their musical abilities, but in their sense of connection and belonging.
Our mission is simple: to create a vibrant, welcoming community where people can meet like-minded musicians and continue their musical journey, wherever they may be on the path. We are just getting started now, but our doors are open and all are welcome!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Getting our doors open has been incredibly difficult. The process was long and often overwhelming—especially navigating Austin’s notoriously strict business and construction regulations. There were a lot of inspections and bureaucratic challenges. Each one seemed to compound already existing delays. When we finally acquired our certificate of occupancy and were able to open our doors on March 30th, I let out a huge sigh of relief!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I studied jazz performance and music education, and over the years, I’ve come to specialize in both performing and teaching a wide range of musical styles. I believe music is a language that everyone can speak, and that belief shapes everything we do at the Music Academy of Austin.
I’ve taught in a wide variety of settings—from early childhood programs to senior music classes, from private lessons to large public school ensembles. That range of experience helped me build a vision for a community music school that truly reflects the diversity of today’s musical world.
One of the things that sets the Music Academy of Austin apart is our ever-evolving menu of course offerings. In addition to our foundational private lessons, we offer programs in electronic music, songwriting, popular music ensemble styles, and jazz ensembles. This variety gives our students the chance to explore new interests, grow creatively, and connect with a wider musical community.
We’re not just teaching music—we’re building a space where people can discover their voice, connect with others, and be part of something meaningful.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just keep going. There will be challenges—setbacks, doubts, and a hundred little things that don’t go according to plan. But if you show up, put in the work, and stay focused on the bigger picture, you’ll keep moving forward. Try not to sweat the small stuff. Trust the process, stay curious, and remember why you started in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musicacademyofaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicacademyofaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572609147795
Image Credits
Photos by Paul Shirley.
